Hormones are only partly to blame for teenagers’ bizarre behavior. Teens need time to catch up with the rapid and massive structural change going on in their brain. This takes place during sleeping hours.

The teen brain is also influenced by increased chemical levels in the brain.

Suggestions for working with teens: be concise, use modeling, be a coach, be understanding rather than judgmental, be tactful, cut them some slack, just let them sleep, and be clear about dangers of substance abuse.